It is my understanding that D&M did not station a locomotive in Mackinaw City. Whenever the ferry needed switching they sent a crew from Charlevoix. During the first few years this averaged once or twice a week. But after MIGN Flagged Out of the price increase and overhead traffic exploded D&M was switching the ferry sometimes twice per weekday. Since the ferry traffic was a money loser D&M was not happy with the arrangement but they also declined offers from MIGN to take over switching the ferry. Mr. Pinkerton probably saw that the ferry traffic was not sustainable and that eventually, after abandonment, he could sell the ROW at a hefty profit.